CUMULUS Conference
Milan, Italy
Bryan Howell, and Maria Camila Toro Gutierrez
This study explores the potential impact of color trademark registration on contemporary and future designers as well as the design industry. The study methodology incorporates informal interviews with designers, an examination of the Christian Louboutin vs. Yves Saint Laurent legal suit, and a review of color trademark legal assessments, newspaper articles and the opinions of color specialists. We found that color trademark registration will be a detriment to the useful, useable and desirable application of color in future designs.
The results of the study offer suggestions as to how designers could oppose the promulgation of color trademarks, the potential impact that too many color trademarks would have on contemporary culture and the consequences of designer’s involvement in creative legal issues.
Keywords: Christian Louboutin, Red Sole Shoes, Intellectual Property, Design